The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1887-06-15

tureu be hung on the line. AT ali eVentS,
I'm going round to his studio in few days
to make him an offer for it."
Mr.. Zerubbabel smiled, and rubbed his
hands complacently. He had learnt some
thing that might be useful 70 him.
He didn't get rid of Mr.. Levi until late in
the afternoon, consequently 1t was nearly
seven o'clock before he emerged from his
shop and stopped a passing bus.
In less than half an hour the bric-a-brac
dealer was set down close to the Megilps
door. The servant who answered the bell
told him that Mr.. Megilp was dining outtha
evening, and asked If he would see her mis-
tress.
Thinking lady would be an easier Gus
toner to deal with, Mr.. Zerubbabel said that
he would like to speak to Mrs. Megilp for a
few minutes. Accordingly he was ushered
into the dining-room, where the lady shortly
Joined him.
you have called to see my husband
about the-the bill of sale, " the little woman
began, in frightened tone.
well, yes, ma Fam, in a way have; but
! should like 70 see the picture he offered me
this morning."
''The Academy picture?' suggested Mrs.
Megilp, her face Frightening. II am 60
sorry; but my husband generally locks up
his studio when he goes out. Can't you call
another day and see itf'
"0h, yes, !" answered Mr.. Zerubbabel, amia-
bly,; "but as Pm here, may as well tell
you of the offer am willing to make"
Mrs. Megilp's pretty face beamed with joy
al ha ST. x.stfh
money-lender. It would be such delight
full surprise for Michael Angelo when he
came home to find that that tiresome bust
ness of the bill of sale had been brought TO
satisfactory conclusion during his absence.
"Mr. Megilp wants to get back his bill OF
sale on this furniture ?" began Mr.. Zerub-
babel, with q circular sweep of the hands to-
ward the contents of the room.
yves" breathed poor Madge with q
shiyer, for she thought that the odious
man looked as If he would like
to carry Off her household goods there and
then. ALI the brightness went out Of her
face, and she grew quite pale.
well, Of course, my expenses in connec-
ton with his bill have been heavy-very
heavy; and my loss, If let it be paid off {:
once, will be great-very great--in fact, ei00
will barely put me straight" said Mr.. Ze-
rubbabel, in business-like tone.
THAT added to the Zoo Mr.. Megilp
borrowed Of me last year, makes
$500. Now, I'll make him this offer: I'll give
him check for R25, and send HIM back the
bill of sale, In consideration of his Academy
picture-the big one, mind, mean-becom-
ing my property"
1.-THE picture has been valued at R5O0," put
in Mrs. Megilp, timidly.
"Oh has it? By you and Mr.. Megilp, l
supposed Well, amt going to give that.
What I have offered is as good as a325-an
uncommonly high price, let me tell you,
ma'am, for picture by an unknown artist"
EVERY one says that my husband is one
of the rising artists of the day." exclaimed
Mrs. Megilp, firing up.
BEL rising. "Still, you had better think
over my offer, and tell Mr.. Megilp what
have said. Pll call round in a day or two to
see the picture, when you can let me have a
definite answer"
And Mr.. Zerubbabel took up his hat and
bowed and grinned himself out, leaving the
indignant little woman TO think over matters
in general, and the matter Of the bill of sale
in particular.
When Michael Angelo came in she told
him of the mans visit and the proposition
he had made.
HE has changed his mind pretty quickly"
remarked Megilp. This morning he would
have nothing to say to my proposal. Be-
sides, Eos is very little to get in hard cash,
SO / shall certainly wait for few days be-
fore decide. Carper promised TO speak a
good word for me to dealer he knows"
A day or two aferward Mr.. ADRIAN
Levi presented himself at Meeilp's
studio. and found the artist putting a
few final touches to "Chloe Counting Her
Chickens" He surveyed the picture atten-
lively for some minutes, and then, turning
to Michael Angelo. he blandly offered him
g100 for il.
why, I've had the offer of as good as
R325 for it already" exclaimed the artist
Indignantly.
Mr.. Levi pricked up his ears.
"Hullol somebody has got the start of
me-" he thought, ruefully. "Who the deuce
can It be7'
"Weil, l don't mind giving you ESQ for
it-and, perhaps, you've something else it
may suit me to buy" he said, with glance
round the studio. whats this2' he added,
going up to large picture, very handsomely
framed, but turned with its face to the wall
IA picture sent in to Burlington
House last year, but it wasn't accepted"
stammered Michael Angelo.
"Humph don't wonder. What's the
name of it?" went on the dealer, reading the
legend inscribed on the frame, Margaret
Mending Her Stockings" mo, that won't
suit me; it's a big, ugly thing. and shock
ingly raw. You've done better work
since"
GAN of which is Sold" interrupted Me
Clip, in a huffed tone, Except this little
thing-'Sour Grapes"
"But again the dealer shook his head and
took his stand before the easel on which stood
"Chloe."
"Pll give you a300 for 1t" said he at last
Michael Angelo hesitated. He would
rather Levi had the picture than Zerubba-
bel; but it seemed hard that he should make
no present profit out of this--his best work.
Every penny VI Tic 1OUU WOulu De swallowed
m IN getting clear of that unfortunate bill OF
salel
Give me week to think 1t over" he said
at last turning abruptly round to the dealer.
In doing SO he caught his foot In the sup
port Of the easel, and the picture fell heavily
to the ground.
"Good God, what have you done !" cried
Mr.. Levi. Poor Michael Angelo was too
frightened to speak. Together they picked
up the picture. Fortunately, the canvas
was not damaged, but large corner of the
frame was Clipped off.
That's soon remedied," said Mr.. Levi.
"a new frame won't cost much. But,
Mr.. Megilp, I hope you'll think over my
offer: it may lead to further business, you
know" he added, amiably. And he left the
artist standing, with rather rueful air, be-
fore his cherished picture.
"What has happened, Angy7 / heard
something fall. What has Mr.. Levi offered
your Oh, what pity 1.-The beautiful
Frame" said Mrs. Meglip, busting into the
studio. But without waiting for answers TO
her questions, she went on, I've Just bad a